KIEHL'S ! SOUTH COAST PLAZA!
Desertdoll is here to bring you yet another South Coast Plaza gem...
I love Kiehl’s, unabashed absolute love. I remember my discovery of the line like I remember the first time I met my husband! Chichi and I were at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills in the mid 90’s, visiting with our favorite makeup artist (i.e. spending our rent money on cosmetics). After he sorted us out at his counter he asked “Have you girls ever tried Kiehl’s? No?! Oh my, c’mon!” He proceeded to introduce us to my number one “can’t live without” product, the Calendula toner. I can tend to sound like a broken record when it comes to it, cause I recommend it to anyone who will listen to my gushing. Let me just say this, it’s an oily girls best friend. And if your acne prone, you NEED this. It was the first product I tried from the line and I’ve continued to buy it for the last 12 years. It’s the only thing I’ve ever done for 12 years consecutively! But 12 years is nothing. Kiehl’s has been around since 1851, when they were an apothecary/pharmacy.
And theirs is a company that’s easy to love. A dedicated company, shown not only by their years in the business and their over 200+ phenononal products, but reaching to other areas as well. They have a commitment to the enviroment, working with communities to support renewable energy, using recyclable packaging and printing with soy inks whenever possible. They also make philanthropy a priority. Kiehl's has lent support over the years to countless charitable organizations. They’ve had involvement with many AIDS-related charities, even developing products with proceeds going directly to AmfAR and The Magic Johnson AIDS foundation. Plus, individual stores do their own fair share of charity as well. In fact, the South Coast Plaza Kiehl’s recently participated in a Surfrider foundation event and raised money to help keep California oceans clean.
But I think what I like most about this company is the people who work for it. Their Customer Service reps really believe in Kiehl’s and their products. I have always gotten the sense from everyone I’ve dealt with, whether it’s in-store or on the phone, that it’s not just about the sale. They really strive to be honest and accomadating to each customer. If you’re not ready to buy, Kiehl’s has one of the best sample programs around. Samples of everything are available, 3 online, more in-store if you ask nicely!
I think this goes back to their days as a family owned Pharmacy. “Customer Representatives first priority is to serve and represent our customers. They undergo an intensive education program in which they learn the value of formula ingredients and their efficacy. With early traditions in dispensing advice and prescriptions to its customers, our staff today continues to “prescribe” a personal care regimen that is most appropriate for the individual’s skin and hair care needs.”
No exception to this was the South Coast Plaza Kiehl’s. The first stop on our tour, it was the biggest (and one of the most enthusiastic) group of reps we encountered. Elaine and Rae were the leaders of our presentation (Elanie is in a white coat, middle of the photo. Rae is far right) but the passion for the brand carried through to the whole crew. I recall at one point looking around the store, each of us with a different salesperson, drinking our delicious Yerba Maté tea, sampling various items from what I think is one of the finest brands on the market and I thought “wow, I am so happy right now!”
But if you want to see happy, check out Chi hugging our gift box above left! In addition to Coriander shower cleanser, (which smells so clean and refreshing) Vital sun protection spf 30, (summer, here comes megsmakeup!) and Kiehl's lip balm #1, (one of the best lip balms around! Now available in 3 limited edition flavors: cranberry, pear and mint) we received items from their Abyssine + line. We each got either the cream or the lotion, plus the eye cream.
The Abyssine line has been around since 2003 (when it was named one of Oprah’s favorite things). Named for one of it’s key ingredients, a naturally derived survival molecule which thrives under the extreme conditions in hydrothermal ocean vents, Abyssine helps soothe and protect skin while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The only addition to the + line (but a very powerful one) is a Vegetal Coral extract, a member of the red algae family with the unique ability to form a self-defensive calcified shell from minerals found in sea water. These minerals act as “defenders” for your skin, much as they do in the ocean. The Crème is for normal to dry skin and has an spf 23 and the lotion is for normal to oily, with an spf of 15. Both products are both suitable for sensitive skin.
I’ll save the rest of my praise for my review, but let me say-these products lived up the their standard, high quality, unique formulas, effective results. It’s just the Kiehl’s way!
So let’s hear it, who loves Kiehl's?!
Buy Kiehl's here.
- meg's blog
- Login or register to post comments
-
Reviews
IFW-redundancy doesn't count here! Your love an devotion is well expressed. Mel9, I was eying their dog shampoo, so sweet! Right now I'm washing my dogs with a bottle of "Gee your hair (dog) smells terrific" that I found in a 99 cents store. Kiehl's would be a good leap up! Deb-have they retired ALL their pot glosses? Tawny Gold is one of my top ten favorite glosses! Oh no, this is bad news. I've gotta look into this...But, they've got the cutest gloss set out now for Valentine's day. Maybe this will help ease our pain.
Whoops, can't spell today! I forgot to mention their Original Musk fragrance. When I first smelled it I HATED it. My friend gave ma a little sample in my bag so I squirted a little on and HATED itt again. Then one super hot, muggy, sweaty summer night I tried it again. There is something in it that just worked with the sweat and the humidity and smelled so good! It sounds gross but trust me! On a funny side note my friend used to work in the free standing Kiehl's store in Georgetown. The Musk was the #1 stolen product by the homeless people that would wander into the store. We called it "Eau de Hobo."
OK, maybe I’m a tad exuberant - but yeah, I do kind-of-maybe-sort-of like Kiehl’s products. In fact, this post prompted me to re-order before I ran out of anything - and I’ve added some hair care samples. If they’re as good as Mel describes, Farmer Tom may have to install grab bars in the shower to keep me from injuring myself as I swoon.
Don’t hate us because we live in So. Cal................. this weekend was one of those beautiful winter days where the temperature was in the mid 70’s with lovely blue skies. I’m happy to report that the Vital Sun Protection lotion with spf 30 did its job. I applied it before I drove around with the top down on my car and when I laid out around the pool. It gave my pasty white body a nice light brown color instead of glowing red. One of the nice things about this sun block is it can be used for both your face and your body. This summer I won’t be leaving home without my Kiehl’s sun block!!
The first "man-gift" I ever bought was from this line too - it was a muscle rub developed for or by some Swedish Olympic skiier - cannot remember the name - and sorry, REFUSE to call the jerk-ex to find out! But, it was really excellent and he loved it for the "golf elbow." I agree on the Creme de Corps body lotion (should be called a butter) - been using it a couple years, and is sooo fabulous. I always go back to it, no matter how many yummy smelling lotions and butters I get, because it's unscented and so powerful. It can get a little greasy in the summer, so you have to let it soak in before dressing, but it's perfect anytime all the time - the best lotion I've ever used. I also just mentioned in the Aveda post that i"m in love with some of their hair products, namely the Heat protective silk straightening cream and silk shine or frizz serum (? too lazy to go look up the exact name) - they are so flippin incredible for getting your hair to style perfectly and be soft and shiny. Also, their protein shampoo is AWESOME, as well as the tea tree one and the intense coconut smelling conditioner - so clean, so perfect - LOVE these products. Ok, I even wash my dog with their dog shampoo and conditioner - now that is love!!! for the product and the dog =)
DDoll~the dog shampoo is just the best. Vinnie is so soft and fluffy and shiney - it's actually really noticeable. The conditioner is just plain fun thing to have - who the heck conditions their dog?? Well, maybe people do - I hadn't heard of it before I saw this, but just had to try it, too. I don't think it's really a necessary step except maybe in the winter, and don't always use it - seems like a long time for him to sit there when I'm not sure he really likes baths past the rubby massage part. Oh, and actually I think maybe I wouldn't recommend it-seems to take awhile to get it out and I've noticed some flakes when I don't REALLY rinse it good...but the shampoo - oh yeah, take the plunge!!
I love Kiehl's too! I don't use many of their face products (I'm loyal to my Clarins and Prevage) but I do use their microdermabrasion scrub. It is a little pricey for the line but it lasts forver since you only need a little dab. I also lurve me some Creme de Corps. It is one of my fave all time body lotions, right up there with my Body Shop Nut Body Butter and my Clarins Body Firming Creme. I also love the limited edition lotion from last christmas that was cherry almond scented. A good friend of mine works for Kiehl's at Nordy's so I told her to let me know if that scent ever comes back! And of course my pup Brittany uses their dog shampoo and body spray. It is the best dog shampoo I have ever trid. She smells grat and it manages to make her stiff little pitbull hairs silky soft.
ok the bad thing about this post is i am getting a whole laundry list of new products i need to try. i just got a lecture from hubby that i am driving him to the poor farm with all my "lotions and potions"!!!!!!!!!! doesn't he know it will never end???? it will probably only get worse the older i get! carol b
I have a vast assortment of Kiehl’s products. I should mention that i have been a loyal customer for many years. I met Jamie and Klaus a couple years prior to that big move they made to step down from their position of ownership. To this day, I know they truly loved their companies products. Each time I would see them; they would obviously be using different products and talking about each item with zeal! Jamie took great effort in the care of her skin. She wore some pretty big hats to help block most of the sun from getting to her face. It showed too, her skin was flawless from years of care. I think it was the genuine love for the line that they openly showed that really made me a convert. A family company going way back in history. You have to love that. It was refreshing to listen to their philosophy on the company. My number one favorite item hands down is, abyssine cream + . This has now become my newest love. I was already sold hook, line and sinker to the original abyssine cream. See my profile....it’s there as big as day, as one of my must haves! I still have a huge jar on my bathroom counter. But now, the newest sibling is there too.. This is the finest cream I have and will always keep. I also love the new eye cream that also graces my bathroom counter top. They work well together. Systems work together for a reason! This has helped minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and will protect against free radical damage. My skin loves this product so much. I have a friend who will run, trip and fall to the boutique to try this new and improved gem. He has been using the original abyssine cream for years too and will just flip over this + line. This skin-age defying line is made with naturally derived ingredients. Abyssine, is made with a survival molecule that thrives under the extreme conditions in hydrothermal ocean vents, so it helps soothe and protect skin. Speaking of new favs... I was looking for a nice tinted moisturizer with spf 15 for my face.. Look no further... I have another addition to my bathroom counter top.. The very lovely ladies and gentleman at Kiehl’s, south coast plaza sold me on this instantly! Such a team! It’s called ultra facial tined moisturizer spf 15. Love this stuff, and I think anyone looking to protect his or her face from harmful uv sun rays will too. The best thing in my opinion is that it is light-weight, and really offers decent coverage.. This tinted moisturizer goes on great after you clean and spritz your face with mate tea toner or mist (my tip). It is easily absorbed into my skin and it hydrates perfectly. I am all about keeping that natural look too, which this really pulls off. It has apricot kernel extract, chamomile, and royal jell in there also! Well, I thought it would be fitting to mention yet another new commer. Espeically since I mention it above. It's the matè tea toner. Wow wee! This gentle herbal toner is suitable for all skin types. The neat thing about this line is there is an extract derived from yerba matè, it aids your skin to stay healthy-looking,. This is an uncommon herbal extract, that soothes and balances skin after cleansing, leaving complexion fresh and clear. With luffa fruit and jojoba butter have you lived your life without ever having any creme de corps? This is such an amazing product.. So much so that I was easily persuaded to try the creme de corps soy milk & honey body polish. Yahoo, this exfoliates without drying, it really contains pure honey and soy milk protein, your skin will feel smooth to the touch and it will also be moisturized! It is luxurious, it has the famed shea and jojoba butter, it also has sweet almond oil - what slufs the dead skin is luffa fruit. After you use this you should be ready to slather on your favorite body moisturizer.. You will love your skin your in!
Oh, they are, they are, IFW! Tell Farmer Tom to get out those power tools now, cuz you will swoon-I'd bet the farm on it...well, maybe not your farm, since it is your livelihood, and all...but I"m quite sure you'll at least like them!
I met up with Destiny the day I walked into Kiehl’s. I love Love LOVE Kiehls!!!! Imagine me singing in a mettzo-soprano voice as I type (even through I can’t carry a tune in a 5-gallon bucket).... OMG, but I love Kiehl’s! My daily routine includes a morning wash with Suki, followed by Kiehl’s Herbal Toner with Mixed Berries and Extracts (sorry DD - tried the Calendula, but went back to the Herbal) followed by a light application of Kiehl’s Panthenol Protein Moisturizing Face Cream. At night, it’s the Foaming Non-detergent Washable Cleanser followed by the toner and cream along with the Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado - and sometimes a touch of Ultra Facial Moisturizer. I switched up to the panthenol cream this fall in anticipation of dryer weather. I’m not sure if it’s the face cream, but someone should put out an APB on my pores and broken capillaries. And my skin - like buhtah. Meg... I tried the Line Reducing Concentrate and it seemed a tad bit harsh for my face, but I used it up on my hands - Holy Cat, but it took away all of my age spots! Oh, how I wish I could use it on my face..... Did I already say that I love Kiehls?
You all are too much! Beautiful reviews. The picture of Chi hugging her gift box from Kiehls? Priceless! I also am a fan of the Calendula Toner (many thanks DD). IFW, you have been holding out on us, Kiehl’s Panthenol Protein Moisturizing Face Cream sounds wonderful. The Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, Blue Herbal cleanser, Abyssine+ Line all are making me drool. I'm with Lilykane, "Da plane, da plane, you forgot to take me!"
Ruthie, That's funny. Chi and I did the same thing last time we were in NY. Walked miles to see the Kiehl's store. But we already had tons of their stuff at home, we just wanted to see the original location! It was a total pilgrimage.
I sampled 3 of their face products [It is not my beauty regimin in my profile] and I absolutly LOVE it. It feels natural and light weight. I love how it instantly makes my skin feel too.
Kiehl's Rare-Earth Facial Cleansing Masque has saved me during those dark acne years. Kiehl's anti-perspirant deodorant is still saving me daily - one of the very few deodorants that really are anti-perspirant and same time gentle and good for your skin, one of the Kiehl's must-haves in my opinion. Their non-soap moisturizing cleansing bar "pour homme" has been missing from my shower for more than a year now (the Montana avenue store has told me it was discontinued) and I was so happy to find it again at the SCP store! Also, the Coriander Shower Cleanser was the first Kiehl's shower gel I ever tried and I was amazed. I didn't expect it to smell so good. And finally! I have my own Abyssine face moisturizer! I remember sneaking in my mom's bathroom so I can put some of that magic cream on my face - I couldn't get enough of it! Now I have my own cream, in my own bathroom and I don't even have to discover ways to take big quantities out of it without the loss being visible. It's all MINE! Oh, how great the SCP Kiehl's people were, how knowledgeable, generous and helpful. A great representation of all that Kiehl's stands for.
Ahh Kiehl's! One of my favorites, tried and true lines. Like Doll said, when we discovered them Kiehl's was not available on line or even by phone. I had a black and white catalog I read over and over marking what things I wanted to buy and test the next time I made it my local Kiehl's counter. Well, thank god for the internet, now this wonderful brand is available to anyone, anywhere. My#1 favorite thing from Kiehl's is the Crème de Corps body cream. This stuff will soften and moisturizer even the driest skin! I use this stuff all over my body, fresh from a shower and my skin just soaks it all up. I can feel it on my skin for days afterward! Just love it (10 years and counting!). Our day at SCP started at Kiehl's and we could not have asked for a better reception. The entire staff (in their little white coats) were so warm and happy to see us. Each and every one there made a point to talk to us individually and find out our specific skin/hair/body needs. I love the shot of me hugging my gift box (I must have been delirious because I have no memory of it!) filled with great things. I was so happy to receive the Abyssine SPF15 Lotion, which I have been using since it's introduction. This daily facial moisturizer really brightens and moisturizes my skin. I would recommend it for oily skinned girls. Kiehl's now has one that is SPF23 and in a jar, which I would say is better for combo or dry skin. (I was so impressed with this, I went back and bought one as a present!). That Oprah is always on top of things, isn't she? Also, included in my box? The new Abyssine Eye Cream - hooray! Works just as well as the face cream to moisturize, brighten and tighten (and seems to help my dark shadows as well). Another Must Have in the box was the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1, this clear, long lasting balm has an SPF and leaves lips silky smooth. All the men in my life have loved this stuff - it makes a great gift for the man in your life that needs a lip balm but doesn't want anything too fancy or girly. Thanks lovely staff of Kiehl's for such a warm welcome and all of your help!!
I love Kiehl's, but why, oh why, did they discontinue their Golden Berry and Blackberry lipglosses? The ones in a tub?
Ollie-it was rather heavenly. Maybe you can do a weekend trip and come to the next one? I like the idea of MM convention there. Man-those stores wouldn't know what hit them. Totally unrelated to Kiehl's-but SCP also has 2 H&M'S! OK, back to Kiehl's. Love, love love 'em. If anyone has any doubts or questions about buying Calendula toner, message me and I'll tell you why it's the best thing since sliced bread (it's soothing, it's a natural antiseptic, it keeps oil and acne in check and it asks you if you've lost weight when you get dressed in the morning. Ok, that last bit isn't true but I bet it would if it could. It's that nice!) And Creme de Corps, oh my-so good. I learned on our visit that it was developed in the 40's to help WW2 burn victims. Just to give you an idea of how rich and soothing it is. They make a body wash now too, which I can't wait to try. That day I bought the Blue Herbal cleanser at one of the wonderful reps suggestion. Chi-you'd love it. It's real tingly. Plus it's got salicylic acid so it's great for keeping breakouts away. And the Abyssine+ line is Ah-mazing! Love the lotion and it's got an spf 15 in it. I usually don't like moisturizers with spf in them. This is light, just like I like it. I especially love the eye cream. That's light too, and just the right amount of richness so it doesn't feel super heavy but still feels luxurious. They make a serum as well, that will be my next purchase. The cream for the N to D ladies has a spf 23 in it, which Kiehl's determined to be the perfect amount of spf for ample coverage without the cakey feeling that spf can leave (see above as to why I don't like spf). Lastly, this store was so nice to us. So excited to meet us and talk about the comapny. Elanie even gave us all hugs when we left. I just loved this stop so much and I love the products even more.
Yup, this stop was amazing! Everyone was so nice and the products are fantastic. Olliebee, the first gift I ever bought HOM was Kiehls Lip Balm number #1. He loved it back then and he should-it's good so I was happy to see it included in ourmonster gift box. The Calendula Toner was a total joy to try since Desertdoll constantly sings its praises and I was able to experience what she was talking about. I have not had a chance to try everything in my box yet so I will have to re-post as Iuse more. I have been using and loving Kiehl's Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate. It has such a high volumeof Pure Vitamin C (ILOVE vitamin c based products for my skin) that I could not refuse. It pumps out a smooth and lightfeeling white cream but it does pack a punch and I feel it warming up on my skin (in a good way)it claims that use over time will decrease lines around eyes, crows feet and even those pesky marionette ones. Also, the entire Kiehls team was so frienndly and smart and you really could tell they loved being a part of the Kiehls family. It was such a happyvibe in there you knew everyone was really enjoying being able to impress us on how they knew every single detailof every single product. It was the perfect start to a perfect day! Thank-you so much Elanie and Rae and everyone at South Coast Plaza Kiehls for making us feel so special! Virtual group hug!
So let me get this straight IFW, do you like Kiehl's or don't you? Hee hee. I know-aren't they just the bees knees? I gasped when I read about your toner choice cause I've never heard of that one. I was thinking "well, she must be dry" but I went to their website and it's N to O just like the Calendula. Could there be room in my heart for another toner? That would be a real revelation. PLUS, I just saw they make a tea tree toner and a herbal one specifically for men. I may even have to get that for big hub.
Wow you gals, Your SCP trip...all thats missing...Mr. Roarke and Tattoo !!! Seriously-!! =)Khiehl's is one of my loves! I first discovered Khiel's while living in NYC during college,so I got to go to the original store, and at the time they had a whole selection of perfume oils too...anotherweakness of mine! I ended up becoming close friends with one of the girls that worked there and got to sample my heart out! Even now when I go to any Khiel's counter I have to say they win for generous and attentive staff members!! I have never found a bath bath and shower liquid cleanser that I love more! I'm addicted to theirs. It makes the softest bubbles in a bubble-bath ever! Coriander is amazing, Cucumber is perfect and clean, I adore the Musk, and the Peppermint is a lovely wake up! The Creme De Corps lotion is a life saver. My mother and I agree its a necessary part of life! And their cleansers are the best. Once you find your perfect combo, your set. I have to say I MISS THEIR OILS!! They still have a few scents and they are all divine, but when I found them in the early 90's they had such a selection, and I have never found their equal.The Calendula Toner is amazing, and I have to say I really liked their Cucumber Herbal toner as well, as my skin is on the dry side. Oh my how I could go on.. Kheil's is amazing... if they bring back their oils I will believe Mr. Roarke and Tattoo are still at work and that will make me very happy!!!
I absolutely cannot believe the day you girls had at the SCP! It sounds like heaven. Just when you think there can't be anymore, there is. Thanks for all of these wonderful new products. My husband will not be so thrilled when I start purchasing some of this stuff, so I must treat him to the Kiehl's #1 balm (thanks Chichi). He's always askingfor my chapstick and I don't like to share! This will be perfect for him.
Like DD said we started our day out at Kiehls, I was the first to arrive and was warmly greeted by Elaine. She made me feel so welcomed and then she introduced me to the rest of the wonderful sales team. Boy do these ladies and gentlemen know their products. When ever I had a question about a something they were so informative. I bought the Calendula toner (small size) and heading out the Kiehls store by me tomorrow to buy the big bottle. I love it, thank you DD for turning me onto this. The wrapping of gift we received as you saw from the picture of ChiChi was the prettiest thing I’d seen. I feel very fortunate to have received all the wonderful items that were included. What a wonderful way to start our day and so unexpected. Nothing to do with product but I have to mention this wonderful tea they were severing it’s called Yerba Mate (you can find it at Trader Joes) oh my gosh, it was fantastic. Thank you everyone at Kiehls for starting out our day with such an enjoyable experience!!
i love kiehls! years ago i was in new york and i walked miles to go to their original store in the village. i don't think you could buy them anywhere else except their catalog or the village store then. so i took a pilgrimage. as i walked miles back to my hotel i thought ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!! it was so worth it. i think of them as the work horse of products. carol b
I love their lip conditioner. It makes my lips feel SO soft, and it lasts so long. A little pricey, but you only need a tiny bit, and it'll last you a few hours. I also like Malin and Goetz stuff, but theyre sort of the same brand.
KIELS , KIELS, Kiels !my favorite line ,loveeeee all their stuff <3
wow, thanks for the article!